Camera IconFootage taken by a whistle-blower led to exporter Emanuel Exports losing its licence. Now it’s subsiduary has followed suit.Picture: Animals Australia

A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Perth-based livestock exporter behind the disastrous Awassi Express shipment has had its licence cancelled.

The Department of Agriculture suspended EMS Rural Exports' licence in July and cancelled it on Wednesday following a "show cause" process.

The department last month cancelled the permit held by its parent company, Emanuel Exports, which says it will seek to overturn both decisions through the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

"Cancellation of a licence is a serious step that is only taken in the best interests of the industry and for the protection of Australia's high standards on animal welfare," the department said in a statement.

"As the department noted when the Emanuel licence was cancelled, it is the responsibility of each exporter to ensure it meets the clear requirements under the legislation that governs the export of livestock.

"This includes providing complete and accurate information to the regulator as to how regulatory standards and licence conditions will be met and have been met."

Australian live exports to the Middle East ground to a halt after footage emerged of 2400 sheep dead, dying and suffering in extreme heat and filth on the Awassi Express in August last year.

The mortality rate was 3.76 per cent, well above the two per cent accepted standard, but the department initially found no breaches of export regulations.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud responded to the outcry that followed the broadcast by launching a review into the department's "capabilities, investigative capacity and culture" by former public servant Philip Moss, who is expected to report back this week.

Separating the regulator from within the department is expected to be a key recommendation.